NOC Zambia Commemorates Commonwealth Day

The National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia joined the rest of the Commonwealth Family in commemorating Commonwealth Day under the theme: 'Delivering A Common Future: Connecting. Innovating, Transforming.

The Commemoration event was held at OYDC Zambia - Sports Development Centre where 100 pupils from various special schools round Lusaka took part in sport and non-sport activities that were led by Special Olympics Zambia.

NOCZ President Mr. Alfred Foloko said that the benefits of sport go beyond the exciting physical abilities.

"Among others, sports has the ability to build resilience and confidence in people and our communities are beginning to embrace sport as a factor in development," he said.

He added saying that the excitement and positive potential of friendliness that was displayed today as commonwealth day was commemorated, will contribute to the success of mission of being the leading Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) in the region.

"At this point allow me to make mention and thank our stakeholders who are important players in ensuring that this event is a success, the British High Commission, British Council, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, OYDC-Zambia Sports Development Centre, Community Schools, Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Youth Sport and Child Development.

Meanwhile British High Commissioner to Zambia H.E Nicholas Woolley was the Guest of Honour and he read the Queens Commonwealth Day message on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.

On the other hand Mr. Foloko presented a certificate of Appreciation to the British High Commission in Lusaka for their contributions and continued help rendered for the successful hosting of the 2020 Commonwealth Day.

He also presented certificates of recognition to Special Olympics Zambia Athletes Namely Daisy Nguni, Harriet Chilubula, Joshua Paliso and Joshua Siankulu for their splendid performance at the first ever Special Olympics Pan African Games Held in Egypt earlier this year.

CGA Zambia Board Members Mr. Dickson Jere and Mr. Victor Banda were also present at the Commemoration event organised by the CGA Zambia Secretariat in collaboration with the British high Commission in Lusaka.

Prior to Commonwealth Day, a week of Commonwealth Values Educational Sessions dubbed ‘Commonwealth Week’ was held in various schools around Lusaka.

Cementing the final day of celebration for the illustrious week that paved way to the upcoming Commonwealth Day.

Woodlands A primary school awarded NOCZ the honor of hosting a tree planting ceremony, where the Head Teacher welcomed us all with a warming speech that was followed by a speech from DFID Head of Office Mr. Steven Beel.

Mr. Beel reminded the children that they are the future and emphasized on the importance of climate change and the need to plant trees.

"This year's commonwealth theme is delivering a common future: connecting, Innovating and transforming. It recognizes that across the commonwealth, there is an incredibly diverse group of people that are Keen to work together for the common good, build their strength and through the extensive global network in the spirit of corporation" said Beel.

The President Mr. Foloko next followed with his speech where he commended Zambia's involvement in the commonwealth celebration and further stated that "It is why we stand here today as the commonwealth games association of Zambia, participating in this dignified tree planting ceremony, to promote a positive contribution to the environment, through this sustainable program."

A moving play centred on the possibilities around Para-athletics was displayed in a moving show case by the young leaders who were heavily been involved in the commonwealth week from start to finish.

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